MUSCAT: Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is scheduled to travel to Oman on Friday for a new round of nuclear negotiations with the United States, following encouraging progress reported by both sides in the previous two rounds. The meetings are expected to take place in Muscat, continuing the diplomatic momentum fostered in earlier discussions held in Geneva. These talks are a critical component of ongoing efforts to resolve longstanding tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and to reach a comprehensive agreement acceptable to both Tehran and Washington.
The upcoming session in Oman is viewed as a crucial moment in the negotiation process, as it may set the tone for the final phase of discussions ahead of the looming deadline set by the P5+1 powers. Analysts have noted that while significant gaps remain, recent concessions and cooperative language from both parties indicate a shared willingness to compromise. Araghchi, a key figure in Iran’s negotiating team, will lead efforts to secure further understandings that address core concerns, particularly related to uranium enrichment and sanctions relief.
The United States has expressed cautious optimism about the potential for a breakthrough, especially following the latest Geneva rounds where both sides reportedly narrowed differences on several pivotal issues. U.S. officials emphasized that while the road ahead remains difficult, the groundwork laid in prior meetings has created a more constructive environment. The Omani government, which has long played a mediating role between the two countries, is once again providing the neutral setting necessary for this sensitive diplomatic endeavor.
For Iran, the negotiations present a vital opportunity to ease the international pressure and economic restrictions that have weighed heavily on its population. The Rouhani administration, under pressure at home to deliver results, is banking on the talks in Oman to advance its broader goal of reintegration into the global economy. At the same time, Iranian negotiators are keen to preserve national sovereignty and the peaceful nature of its nuclear program, walking a fine line between concession and resistance.
